Rick Clunn
Credentials:The "iron man" of the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail, before this season Ava, Missouri's Rick Clunn had qualified for 28 consecutive BASS Master Classics, winning the "Super Bowl" of professional bass fishing four times ('76, '77, '84 and '90). He was also B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year in 1988.

Past ESPY's: none

Jerry "the big air dog"
Credentials: Working with his handler, Mike Wallace, Jerry, half English pointer half Chesapeake retriever, soared to gold in the Big Air competition at the 2001 ESPN Great Outdoor Games, outdistancing the silver medallist by more than five feet. Jerry's leap of 23 feet 1 inch set a new world record.

Past ESPY's: none

Mel Lentz
Credentials: This 43-year-old West Virginia timber worker has earned the nickname "King of the Lumberjacks" for his accomplishments in the sport he's dominated since 1977. In 1985, Lentz won the world title in the 15-inch Underhand, becoming the first North American to beat the Aussies at their own game. He has broken every record held in sawing, chopping and power sawing. In 2001 Lentz topped off his resume with a Gold Medal win in the Hot Saw competition at the ESPN Great Outdoor Games.

Past ESPY's: none

Kevin VanDam 
Credentials: In a sport that was born in the South and is dominated by southern competitors, Kalamazoo, Michigan's Kevin VanDam has ascended to the highest level. The 34-year-old angler has won the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year title three times. But his crowning achievement in 2001 was winning the BASS Masters Classic in New Orleans.

Past ESPY's: none